Engineering Licensing in Lantana, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who offers to perform or performs engineering services must hold a valid professional engineer (PE) license issued by the state. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines "engineering" as professional services requiring the application of engineering principles and data to provide public consultation, design, or supervisory services.

The distinction matters: if your work involves designing structures, systems, or infrastructure that affects public safety, or if you're offering engineering services to the public, you need licensure. This includes structural design, mechanical systems, electrical systems for buildings, and site engineering work.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Education: Complete an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent) per Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

2. Experience: Accumulate the required years of progressive engineering experience (typically 4 years under a licensed engineer, though this varies by discipline).

3. Exams: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then the Professional Engineer (PE) exam for your discipline.

4. Application: Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees licensing standards and discipline.

Military Credit: If you have relevant military training or education, you may receive credit toward experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Submit your complete application, exam scores, and documentation to DBPR. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Local Requirements

Lantana enforces Florida state engineering licensing requirements through its Building Department. To perform engineering work in Lantana:

1. Permits: Submit engineering designs and sealed drawings through the Town of Lantana Building Department for any construction project.

2. Sealed Documents: All engineering plans and calculations must bear the professional seal and signature of a licensed Florida engineer, as required by state law.

3. Local Code: Consult the Lantana Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional technical requirements specific to the town. Contact the Lantana Building Department to confirm current local amendments to state engineering standards.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, exemptions from licensure include:

• Employees working under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer
• In-house engineers employed by corporations performing work for that company only
• Certain government employees
• Contractors performing standard construction work without engineering design services

However, exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, licensure is required.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)
- Phone: 850-521-0500
- Website: https://fbpe.org/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Lantana Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)